kalecake's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I LOVED this book. I heard a lot of people were disappointed in this story but I loved the main character’s flaws. I didn’t know what was going to happen next. It was sexy, it was dark, it was morbid. I had such a great time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Suicide, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Body horror, Blood, and Sexual content
bellebookcorner's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I’ve seen another series by this author quite a lot on social media so I was excited to give this one a try. Unfortunately, this one didn’t live up to my expectation.
The story started out with a strong opening, plot seems interesting to follow, and I enjoy listening to the narrator. The narrator did a good job delivering this book.
However, at some point the plot took an unexpected turn. I was struggling to keep up with what’s going on. It would be nice if this one was divided into two books instead of cramming it into a long thick book.
The world building is actually pretty interesting and I’m interested in knowing more about the magic system. However, the pacing felt weird sometimes. In some parts it was too rushed with multiple time jumps but then it’ll turn very slow that I just want to skim past it.
Moreover, there are too many characters but not many of them are very memorable. I didn’t feel the chemistry or any spark between the main characters because of how the FMC keeps giving the MMC a second chance over and over again annoyed me by the end of it.
I really want to like this book but I felt confused most of the time listening to this story. The long chapters also makes this book feels longer than it should be.
This book sounds promising and has potentials to be a great read, however I was disappointed with how it turns out. I don’t think I’m gonna continue reading this series.
While this book didn't work out for me, you’re welcome to check it out if YA fantasy romance is your go to genre.
I received an advanced audiobook for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
The story started out with a strong opening, plot seems interesting to follow, and I enjoy listening to the narrator. The narrator did a good job delivering this book.
However, at some point the plot took an unexpected turn. I was struggling to keep up with what’s going on. It would be nice if this one was divided into two books instead of cramming it into a long thick book.
The world building is actually pretty interesting and I’m interested in knowing more about the magic system. However, the pacing felt weird sometimes. In some parts it was too rushed with multiple time jumps but then it’ll turn very slow that I just want to skim past it.
Moreover, there are too many characters but not many of them are very memorable. I didn’t feel the chemistry or any spark between the main characters because of how the FMC keeps giving the MMC a second chance over and over again annoyed me by the end of it.
I really want to like this book but I felt confused most of the time listening to this story. The long chapters also makes this book feels longer than it should be.
This book sounds promising and has potentials to be a great read, however I was disappointed with how it turns out. I don’t think I’m gonna continue reading this series.
While this book didn't work out for me, you’re welcome to check it out if YA fantasy romance is your go to genre.
I received an advanced audiobook for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, and Death
deedireads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
TL;DR REVIEW:
A Crown of Ivy and Glass, an adult fantasy romance Giselle retelling, was definitely not perfect, but I had a ton of fun reading it and can’t wait for book two.
For you if: You’re looking for anxiety/chronic pain rep and love a steamy fantasy book.
FULL REVIEW:
I loved Claire Legrand’s Empirium trilogy (first book is Furyborn), so imagine how excited I was when I read in her newsletter that she’d sold a new adult fantasy romance trilogy where each book focuses on a different sister and retells a famous ballet. I DMed the publisher to put me on a galley list right away (to which they kindly said “it’s a little early lol”).
A Crown of Ivy and Glass was far from perfect, but I definitely had fun reading it. This one is a Giselle retelling and focuses on the youngest sister, Gemma.
The not-so-great parts: The pacing was inconsistent, with a much slower build and sudden change 75% of the way in. Gemma is vain and self-absorbed and not very likable, especially in the beginning. Legrand’s “once upon a time” prose style also takes some time to get used to until it stops feeling cheesy, as does Gemma and Talin’s insta-love.
And for the good parts: Gemma gives us some solid rep, including anxiety/panic attacks and severe chronic pain, which Legrand has said was extremely important to her. I loved that it was a Giselle retelling, and it managed to surprise me even so. The magic system feels novel and interesting. Oh, and steamy scenes be steamyyy.
The next book is going to be about Gemma’s eldest sister, Farin, and based on the glimpses we got in this book, I can already tell it’s going to be a fantastic romance. I’ll be eagerly awaiting it!
A Crown of Ivy and Glass, an adult fantasy romance Giselle retelling, was definitely not perfect, but I had a ton of fun reading it and can’t wait for book two.
For you if: You’re looking for anxiety/chronic pain rep and love a steamy fantasy book.
FULL REVIEW:
I loved Claire Legrand’s Empirium trilogy (first book is Furyborn), so imagine how excited I was when I read in her newsletter that she’d sold a new adult fantasy romance trilogy where each book focuses on a different sister and retells a famous ballet. I DMed the publisher to put me on a galley list right away (to which they kindly said “it’s a little early lol”).
A Crown of Ivy and Glass was far from perfect, but I definitely had fun reading it. This one is a Giselle retelling and focuses on the youngest sister, Gemma.
The not-so-great parts: The pacing was inconsistent, with a much slower build and sudden change 75% of the way in. Gemma is vain and self-absorbed and not very likable, especially in the beginning. Legrand’s “once upon a time” prose style also takes some time to get used to until it stops feeling cheesy, as does Gemma and Talin’s insta-love.
And for the good parts: Gemma gives us some solid rep, including anxiety/panic attacks and severe chronic pain, which Legrand has said was extremely important to her. I loved that it was a Giselle retelling, and it managed to surprise me even so. The magic system feels novel and interesting. Oh, and steamy scenes be steamyyy.
The next book is going to be about Gemma’s eldest sister, Farin, and based on the glimpses we got in this book, I can already tell it’s going to be a fantastic romance. I’ll be eagerly awaiting it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Violence, and Sexual content
wheeliechick's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Self harm
bookishbitch_'s review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Self harm
keepcalmblogon's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I don’t like to give books poor reviews because they are the work of someone’s soul–and it’s hard work! That being said, personally, I didn’t love A Crown of Ivy and Glass. I felt like the opening plotline–to throw a party so that Gemma could convince people to care about what was happening with The Roses so that she could help her sister was a little convoluted and ended up only serving the purpose of introducing Talan because it is immediately dropped for a completely different plan that is totally selfish. I have zero problem with a self-confessed selfish character either, but Gemma failed to make herself sympathetic or relatable, so I didn’t care much for her plight. I was also unimpressed by the insta-love. It attempted to be enemies to lovers, but that was a flimsy charade that lasted about a chapter.
This book ended up having way too much plot without that epic fantasy feel, so it was just one thing after another after another with characters whose passionate scenes I ended up skipping over because I really did not buy their insta-love, so I wasn’t invested. I cared more about the enemies, the Basks, and the sister who didn’t get a POV–Farrin. I found myself hoping Talan would betray Gemma to add some spice. And ultimately was confused by the world building and magic system.
The positives this book had were: the intrigue of the enemies, the Basks, a team up with said enemies, sex positivity, and casual queerness.
In the end I will give this book 3 stars and ask a friend to tell me if the sequel ends up being better, and maybe I’ll read it, but I might just get the SparkNotes and get over it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Sexual content
luckylulureads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
So this book is definitely not perfect, but I LOVED it nonetheless. I may be in the minority here, but I thought Furyborn was just okay, while this had me HOOKED.
I’d say the romance was more Insta-lust than Insta-love, and honestly I don’t see anything wrong with that. There’s definitely still some tension or push/pull in the relationship between Gemma and Talan that it seems realistic. Sure, he can kinda lay it on thick, but with reason. ..
Gemma herself is an unlikeable character, and yet I loved her. She deals with chronic pain and crippling anxiety, and as someone who can relate, it can be difficult to find the energy for kindness or generosity when you’re running on fumes like that. She can be moody, irrational, and selfish, but she is also aware of how her actions affect others in the aftermath. She’s a traumatized person who is working on healing and coking to terms with her pain. And I think she has incredible growth over the course of the book. As the author intended, Gemma is absolutely Amy March and Emma Woodhouse coded.
The plot of the book itself is super interesting, and I found myself unable to put the book down once the mysteries really got rolling. I had to know what all of these seemingly disparate threads meant. While the book takes a really wild turn in the second half, it quickly gets back on course, and there are some intense revelations. It puts a lot of the first half into perspective.
I absolutely cannot WAIT for book two, which I have on good authority is definitely Farrin’s book. Which hopefully means more Ryder!
I’d say the romance was more Insta-lust than Insta-love, and honestly I don’t see anything wrong with that. There’s definitely still some tension or push/pull in the relationship between Gemma and Talan that it seems realistic. Sure, he can kinda lay it on thick, but with reason. ..
Gemma herself is an unlikeable character, and yet I loved her. She deals with chronic pain and crippling anxiety, and as someone who can relate, it can be difficult to find the energy for kindness or generosity when you’re running on fumes like that. She can be moody, irrational, and selfish, but she is also aware of how her actions affect others in the aftermath. She’s a traumatized person who is working on healing and coking to terms with her pain. And I think she has incredible growth over the course of the book. As the author intended, Gemma is absolutely Amy March and Emma Woodhouse coded.
The plot of the book itself is super interesting, and I found myself unable to put the book down once the mysteries really got rolling. I had to know what all of these seemingly disparate threads meant. While the book takes a really wild turn in the second half, it quickly gets back on course, and there are some intense revelations. It puts a lot of the first half into perspective.
I absolutely cannot WAIT for book two, which I have on good authority is definitely Farrin’s book. Which hopefully means more Ryder!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Chronic illness, Self harm, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Vomit, Suicide, Ableism, Animal death, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Blood
katsmeowbrown's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, and Suicide
anollylollymolly's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I really wanted to like this book, but there were aspects of the story that made me feel so conflicted that I just couldn’t in the end.
I’m short, this story is about our MC Gemma- a beautiful, rich, young woman who comes from a human family that has both powerful social influence and magical abilities. Gemma, however, doesn’t have an affinity for magic and, in fact, feels great pain whenever she’s surrounded by it (which is practically always). She quickly meets our MMC, Talan, a foreigner who’s come to her family with hopes that they can help him get in the Queen’s good graces. Soon Talan and Gemma strike a deal to work together; Gemma will help Talan with his social standing and Talan will help Gemma ruin the reputation of her family’s great rivals, the Basks.
Overall, I liked the concept of the plot. It was unique and way darker than I was expecting. However, the world-building was seriously lacking and the romance felt very forced and phony. Throughout the whole book Gemma reflects upon folktales regarding Olden creatures but we never get solid anecdotes. Much of the story felt way too convenient and lacked impact.
Onto my gripes with the romance: it was rushed and unbelievable. At first I thought that would fall for each other slowly and there would be one magical moment near the middle/end of the book where it all came together and their feelings were finally voiced. Instead, they fell into a fake dating scheme that lasted for MAYBE 65 pages. After that they too quickly gave into their physical desires and I just wasn’t invested. 🤷🏻♀️ I might have been able to move on from the author rushing into the romance, but I couldn’t handle the dialogue between our characters. Whenever spoke to it felt forced and it seemed far too intimate than their relationship deemed appropriate, particularly in the first half of the book. It just didn’t seem believable that two strangers would act the way they did. Wasn’t for me.
Despite my criticisms, I thought the concept was good! I just wish it was more fleshed out. It came off as being too ambitious.
I’m short, this story is about our MC Gemma- a beautiful, rich, young woman who comes from a human family that has both powerful social influence and magical abilities. Gemma, however, doesn’t have an affinity for magic and, in fact, feels great pain whenever she’s surrounded by it (which is practically always). She quickly meets our MMC, Talan, a foreigner who’s come to her family with hopes that they can help him get in the Queen’s good graces. Soon Talan and Gemma strike a deal to work together; Gemma will help Talan with his social standing and Talan will help Gemma ruin the reputation of her family’s great rivals, the Basks.
Overall, I liked the concept of the plot. It was unique and way darker than I was expecting. However, the world-building was seriously lacking and the romance felt very forced and phony. Throughout the whole book Gemma reflects upon folktales regarding Olden creatures but we never get solid anecdotes. Much of the story felt way too convenient and lacked impact.
Spoiler
For example, we start getting clues that Gemma has Fae blood (which explains her bizarre powers) 70% of the way through the book AND it’s the first instance that we, the readers, even see mention of Fae at all.Onto my gripes with the romance: it was rushed and unbelievable. At first I thought that
Spoiler
Gemma and TalanSpoiler
TalanSpoiler
GemmaDespite my criticisms, I thought the concept was good! I just wish it was more fleshed out. It came off as being too ambitious.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Self harm